How are lighthouses powered? using cables?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the various methods of powering lighthouses, including the use of cables, renewable energy sources like wind and tidal energy, and the cost-effectiveness of these options. Participants explore both historical and modern power sources for lighthouses.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether lighthouses could be powered using wind or tidal energy and if such methods would be cost-effective.
  • Another mentions that older lighthouses in remote locations were powered by Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs), which utilize heat from radioactive decay.
  • A participant provides an example of a lighthouse powered by mains electricity, highlighting its transition from a kerosene lamp to a 1000 watt lamp.
  • Some participants propose that wind generators or solar power could be viable options for powering lighthouses, especially given their typical locations in windy areas.
  • Concerns are raised about the reliability of wind power for lighthouses, suggesting that a mains power backup would be necessary.
  • A participant shares an anecdote about a lighthouse in the North Sea, speculating that it likely uses a diesel generator for power.
  • There is enthusiasm expressed regarding the use of RTGs, with one participant likening it to having a mini nuclear power plant for a lightbulb.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the power sources for lighthouses, with no consensus reached on the best method. Some support the idea of renewable energy, while others emphasize the need for reliability and backup systems.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various power sources without resolving the effectiveness or feasibility of each option. There are also references to local bylaws that may affect the implementation of certain energy solutions.

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how are lighthouses powered? using cables?
could they be powered using wind or tidal energy?
is it cost effective?
 
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The older lighthouses in Russia, USA, and some other countries were powered by RTGs (Radioisotope thermoelectric generators) in remote locations. It works by drawing power from heat generated by the decay of radioactive isotopes with half lives of 20 years or more. They are all being commissioned I guess. I'm not sure if light houses are being used anymore.
 
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Lighthouses are still used.

See the following link.
http://www.lighthouse.net.au/lights/WA/Cape%20Leeuwin/Cape%20Leeuwin.htm

This one is powered by mains electricity and uses a 1000 watt lamp. It used to use a kerosene lamp. It is not far from a small town, so mains power is the easy way to power it.

Since they are usually built in windy places, wind generators charging batteries or solar power charging batteries should be possible
 
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vk6kro said:
Since they are usually built in windy places, wind generators charging batteries or solar power charging batteries should be possible

If local bylaws allow it, and if you can generate the required wattage. An array of ultra-bright LED's might simplify that.
 


I'm not sure wind would provide an acceptable level of reliability for a light house. They'd have to have a mains power backup at the very least.
 


I saw a TV show about a lighthouse in the North Sea between Britain and Europe.

It just sits on a rock miles from anywhere. So, I guess it has a diesel generator for powering the light and the rotating mechanism.
 


Danger said:
If local bylaws allow it, and if you can generate the required wattage. An array of ultra-bright LED's might simplify that.
Check out this bad boy 100W LED
http://www.led-professional.com/content/view/464/56/
 
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what said:
The older lighthouses in Russia, USA, and some other countries were powered by RTGs (Radioisotope thermoelectric generators) in remote locations. It works by drawing power from heat generated by the decay of radioactive isotopes with half lives of 20 years or more. They are all being commissioned I guess. I'm not sure if light houses are being used anymore.
I didn't know that, that's freakin awesome, a friggin mini nuclear power plant to power a lightbulb! I want one!
 


famousken said:
I didn't know that, that's freakin awesome, a friggin mini nuclear power plant to power a lightbulb! I want one!

That was my first impression when someone told me.

heres one from wiki, was powered by strontium 90:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d9/Soviet_RTG.jpg
 
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  • #10


WoW! That's what I call nucs for piece:)
 

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